“In the Ghetto” : Elvis & Marie Brings Us Back to that Vicious Circle

About The Song

Elvis Presley‘s impact has become phenomenal, and his name has created a wide craze in different parts of the world. And though he became responsible for bringing the popularity of rock & roll genre to the international level, he also had a number of mellow songs that ranges a theme of love, heartbreak, and life. “In the Ghetto” is one of the most touching songs he rendered, recorded in 1969. Mc Davis is the man behind the creation of this message-filled song. Reports say that Elvis was reluctant to sing the song because of its socially conscious message. But then he was convinced it will create a great outcome. Elvis then turned the song into a chart topper and a million selling hit upon its release. His velvet voice brought genuine compassion to the words of the classic song.

During the commemoration of Elvis’ 30th anniversary, David Foster was able to produce a digital duet for Elvis and daughter Lisa Marie for the song, “In the Ghetto.” The video was filmed in New Orleans, a hurricane-ravaged-city that perfectly match the setting of the song’s story-line. The proceeds of the recording will go to the Presley family’s transitional housing campus in the city. According to an interview, the song is Lisa Marie’s favorite among the songs recorded by his father.

“In the Ghetto” dramatically narrates about poverty being experienced in different parts of the world. The song centers on describing a child who can’t overcome his surroundings and turns to crime, which leads to his death.

The songs creates a vision of a vicious circle about the horrendous poverty problems. With its simple yet stark phrasing, the song evokes a feeling of apathy to those who unfortunately has to experience such kind of difficult situation.

May this song then remind us to extend a little help to those in need. May this also catch the attention of the government to pay attention to these slump areas that need assistance. These children especially needs any help that can come from any person who cares.

Video

Lyric

As the snow flies
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’
A poor little baby child is born
In the ghetto

And his mama cries
‘Cause if there’s one thing that she don’t need
It’s another hungry mouth to feed
In the ghetto

People, don’t you understand
The child needs a helping hand
Or he’ll grow to be an angry young man some day
Take a look at you and me,
Are we too blind to see?
Do we simply turn our heads and look the other way?

Well, the world turns
And a hungry little boy with a runny nose
Plays in the street as the cold wind blows
In the ghetto

And his hunger burns
So he starts to roam the streets at night
And he learns how to steal, and he learns how to fight
In the ghetto

Then one night in desperation
The young man breaks away
He buys a gun,
Steals a car,
Tries to run,
But he don’t get far
And his mama cries

As a crowd gathers ’round an angry young man
Face down on the street with a gun in his hand
In the ghetto

And as her young man dies,
On a cold and gray Chicago mornin’,
Another little baby child is born
In the ghetto

And his mama cries